Loop quantum cosmology and the k=-1 Robertson-Walker model

Journal Article · Mon Jan 15 04:00:00 EST 2007 · Physical Review. D, Particles Fields

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVD.75.023523· OSTI ID:20935219

Vandersloot, Kevin ^[1]

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1. Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802 (United States)

The loop quantization of the negatively curved k=-1 Robertson-Walker model poses several technical challenges. We show that the issues can be overcome and a successful quantization is possible that extends the results of the k=0, +1 models in a natural fashion. We discuss the resulting dynamics and show that for a universe consisting of a massless scalar field, a bounce is predicted in the backward evolution in accordance with the results of the k=0, +1 models. We also show that the model predicts a vacuum repulsion in the high curvature regime that would lead to a bounce even for matter with vanishing energy density. We finally comment on the inverse volume modifications of loop quantum cosmology and show that, as in the k=0 model, the modifications depend sensitively on the introduction of a length scale which a priori is independent of the curvature scale or a matter energy scale.

• OSTI ID: 20935219
• Journal Information: Physical Review. D, Particles Fields, Journal Name: Physical Review. D, Particles Fields Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 75; ISSN PRVDAQ; ISSN 0556-2821
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
COSMOLOGY
ENERGY DENSITY
GALACTIC EVOLUTION
MATTER
QUANTIZATION
QUANTUM GRAVITY
SCALAR FIELDS
UNIVERSE